An Illinois Senate committee has approved a proposal that would allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The Senate Executive Committee voted 10-5 Wednesday to send the measure to the full Senate.

A Cleveland man suspected of keeping three women captive inside his decrepit house for a decade was charged Wednesday with kidnapping and rape, accused of holding them under conditions so oppressive that they were allowed outside for only a few moments in disguise and never saw a chance to escape until this week.

If you want to see the Fourth of July parade in your little hometown, you should book your flight now. Otherwise, you may have to drive there, or watch a video of the floats via an old friend's smartphone.